[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 145 (Thursday, September 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE OF SPECIALIST RYAN JAMES COOK, UNITED STATES ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is with great respect and honor that I rise today to 
recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Specialist Ryan James 
Cook, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
  Specialist Cook was killed in action by an improvised explosive 
device on Sunday, September 18, 2011 while on patrol in Takhar 
Province, Afghanistan. At the time, he was assigned to the 3d 
Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 
25th Infantry Division, out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
  A resident of Fort Walton Beach for more than 20 years, Specialist 
Cook attended Kenwood Elementary School, Pryor Middle School and 
Choctawhatchee High School. He was a true patriot. Remembered by those 
close to him, Specialist Cook was driven, determined, and had a 
reputation as a dependable friend.
  His dependability and his strong sense of duty led him to enlist in 
the Army three years ago. In a sign of his intrepidity, he chose to 
serve in the infantry.
  Ryan was a beloved member of his community. He is survived by his 
loving family, daughter, Keira James Cook; mother, Kathleen (Cook) 
Silva; stepfather, Frank Silva; wife, Kari Cook; sisters, Alyssia 
(Silva) Hawkins, and Kristie (Silva) Dunaway; brothers, Jordan Silva 
and Darell Lewis; maternal grandmother, Mary (Cook) Byrne; and numerous 
aunts, uncles and cousins.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to honor the life of Specialist Ryan James Cook for his selfless 
service and sacrifice in defense of our nation. My wife Vicki and I 
offer our prayers for his entire family. He will be truly missed by 
all.

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